The down comforter used in the verification. The top award-winning store actually conducted verification from machine selection to drying methods.

In recent years, laundromats have become a popular service not only for laundry but also for washing large items like comforters and blankets.

While more and more people are washing their down comforters at laundromats, which are difficult to wash at home, there are also many voices saying, "It didn't dry," "It became flat," or "I made a mistake."

At "Laundry Press Itabashi-Oyamaten" (Itabashi-ku, Tokyo), a recipient of the Grand Prize at the International Laundromat Expo 2026 Laundromat Store Awards, verification was conducted using an actual down comforter on the theme of "Washing Down Comforters Without Mistakes at a Laundromat."

The results revealed three crucial steps that determine the outcome of washing a down comforter. Furthermore, through verification comparing weights before and after washing, and before-and-after photos, changes in appearance, drying status, and finish were confirmed.

In recent years, laundromats have gained attention as services that support daily life, driven by the increase in dual-income households, an aging population, the desire to reduce household chores, and the growing need for time-saving solutions. In response to these social needs, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry also recognizes laundromats as one of the services that reduce household burdens, and efforts are underway to improve the quality and convenience of the industry.

This release provides a detailed "Save This Guide" on how to successfully wash a down comforter at a laundromat, based on actual verification data and numerous photos.

3 Steps to "Washing Down Comforters Without Mistakes" Practiced by the Grand Prize-Winning Store

Step 1: 80% of Mistakes Can Be Prevented by Choosing the Right Machine

One of the most common mistakes in washing down comforters is using a machine with insufficient capacity for the size of the comforter.

Down comforters expand significantly when wet, and if there isn't enough space during washing, the dirt removal and drying efficiency will decrease.

At our store, we recommend using a washing and drying machine with ample space, even for a single twin-size down comforter.

Especially for double-size or bulky down comforters, choosing a machine with extra capacity allows water flow and warm air to reach the entire comforter more easily.

The key to choosing a machine is not whether it "fits," but whether it can "move freely inside."

M Size ⚠️ Little room in the drum L Size [Recommended] ✅ Ample room in the drum

Recommended by a Cleaning Professional

Down comforters are used daily, so dirt from sebum and sweat gradually accumulates.

Therefore, for annual maintenance, we recommend washing with 45°C hot water, not just regular washing. This makes it easier to remove sebum stains and helps restore the comforter's original fluffiness.

Additionally, if you can choose a machine with a 70°C mite-eradication course, you can also take care of mites at the same time, resulting in a more hygienic finish.

Of course, not all laundromats have this feature, but if a machine offers hot water washing and a mite-eradication course, we highly recommend using it.

Step 2: Remove and Wash the Comforter Cover

When washing a down comforter, we recommend removing the cover and washing it separately.

If you wash the comforter with the cover on, water and warm air will have difficulty reaching the inside of the down comforter, and it will take longer to dry.

On the other hand, by removing the cover and washing them separately, water flow and warm air can reach the down more easily, helping to restore its original fluffy volume.

In this verification, when comparing the same down comforter using the same washing and drying course, washing with the cover removed resulted in a fluffier finish.

The simple step of "removing the comforter cover" is key to restoring the down comforter's original fluffiness.

Step 3: [Thorough Drying] A Small Step During Drying Affects the Final Result

To achieve a fluffy finish, it's important to dry the down comforter thoroughly inside. While the washing and drying course typically includes about 40-50 minutes of drying time, depending on the volume of the down, the thickness of the outer fabric, the condition of the comforter, and the number of items washed, moisture may remain inside even after the course is finished. Therefore, we recommend taking it out once about 20 minutes before the drying is scheduled to finish to check. By removing the down comforter, turning it over (inside and out), fluffing it lightly, and putting it back in, warm air can reach the entire comforter more easily, leading to more uniform drying. If it's still not sufficiently dry after the drying cycle, we recommend additional drying. Depending on the number and volume of down comforters, we sometimes recommend an additional 20-40 minutes of drying. When storing for seasonal change, make sure it is completely dry before storing.

Verified by the Grand Prize-Winning Store: Verification Results Released

Verification Result 1: With a "Little Extra Effort" in Washing and Drying, the Fluffiness Changes This Much

Down comforters regain their original fluffiness when they are thoroughly dried inside after washing and drying.

However, for comforters with a large amount of down, or down comforters with thick outer fabric (surface fabric) like cotton, they may not dry completely with just one washing and drying cycle.

In such cases, by performing an additional 20-40 minutes of drying in a medium to large dryer in the store, the down will expand sufficiently, resulting in a fluffier finish.

The time for additional drying varies depending on the type and thickness of the comforter, so we recommend adjusting the drying time while checking the finish.

Verification Result 2: Proven by Weight Comparison! The Down Didn't Decrease, and its Original Lightness Was Restored

In this verification, when comparing the weight of four down comforters "before washing" and "after washing and drying," all of them were lighter after washing and drying.

This is thought to be because the accumulated sebum stains, sweat, moisture, and humidity were washed away and thoroughly dried, rather than the down decreasing.

In cleaning factories, when confirming the finish of down comforters, we return them to customers after checking the moisture content and drying status.

At home or at a laundromat, measuring the weight before washing and then again after drying can serve as one indicator of whether it has been dried thoroughly.

A thoroughly dried down comforter is clean, comfortable to sleep in, and leads to comfortable sleep.

Furthermore, storing it in a thoroughly dried state prevents the occurrence of mold and unpleasant odors, allowing you to store it with peace of mind until the next season.

As a cleaning professional, I recommend checking the weight "before washing" and "after drying."

By taking this extra step, you can gauge the drying status and use your down comforter with greater confidence.

Conclusion

More down comforters are becoming washable at home, and the number of people using laundromats for their care is increasing year by year.

Therefore, this time, we verified "how to wash and finish down comforters at a laundromat without mistakes and with peace of mind," using actual down comforters, and summarized the results.

We believe that it is our responsibility as a business operator to provide a satisfactory finish that is commensurate with the fees paid by our customers when they wash their down comforters at a laundromat.

A cleanly washed and thoroughly dried down comforter not only provides a comfortable sleeping experience but also contributes to a hygienic sleep environment. Furthermore, storing it in a thoroughly dried state prevents the occurrence of mold and unpleasant odors, allowing you to use your precious down comforter comfortably for a longer period.

Our company is involved in the operation of three laundromats, including Laundry Press Itabashi-Oyamaten, and we receive consultations from many customers daily regarding washing and drying methods and machine selection. This release was created based on on-site experience accumulated through over 1,000 consultations and customer interactions annually, as well as the results of this verification.

As a recipient of the "Laundromat Store Award Grand Prize" at the International Laundromat Expo 2026, it is our mission at C&L Co., Ltd. to continue providing evidence-based information, offering services that customers can use with peace of mind, and contributing to the overall quality improvement of the laundromat industry.

We hope this release will serve as a "Save This Guide" that alleviates some of the anxiety associated with washing down comforters at laundromats and is helpful to both customers and business operators.

For those washing a down comforter for the first time, staff provide thorough guidance from machine selection to washing and drying methods. We offer support tailored to each individual, ensuring that even elderly customers can use our services with peace of mind.

Based on the knowledge gained from our verification, we introduce washing and drying tips to laundromat operators and related parties nationwide, and work towards improving the quality of the entire industry.

[Company Profile]

C&L Co., Ltd. is based in Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, and operates the cleaning business "Cleaning Merry" and the laundromat business "Laundry Press."

Leveraging the knowledge and experience gained from our community-based cleaning business, we strive to solve laundry-related issues such as "it doesn't dry," "I want to wash it," and "I don't have time."

We view laundromats not just as laundry facilities, but as a vital part of the community's infrastructure that supports local life and health.

We will continue to provide services that are close to the community as an "Osen-taku Hot Station" (Laundry Hot Station).

[Contact Information]

C&L Co., Ltd. Contact: Yukako Ono

For store visits, interviews, lecture requests, or business consultations,

please feel free to contact us via the inquiry form below.

[Inquiry Form] https://forms.gle/B4wkHeXjD3VgVAzq9

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